A descriptive study to assess the knowledge on prevention of hypoglycemia among diabetic patients in Guwahati, Assam

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycemia is a traumatic dilemma that has a critical impact on patient’s life and on their family members also. Improving patient’s awareness on hypoglycemia and its prevention is crucial to avoid serious implications like loss of consciousness and even end of life. Comprehensive patient’s education is required to provide the patient with self-management skills necessary to achieve good glycemic control. Epidemiologic data indicate that a large number of patients do not receive the proper care or education which is necessary to develop such management abilities. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge on prevention of hypoglycemia among diabetic patients with a view to provide health education. Material and Methods: The study was a descriptive study conducted in a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam among 110 diabetic patients who were taking treatment their and were selected by using purposive sampling techniques. The subjects were assessed for knowledge on prevention of hypoglycemia. The collected data was analyzed by using statistical software SPSS 20 version. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 58% of the participants have moderate knowledge on hypoglycemia and its prevention followed by 37% participants have inadequate knowledge and only 5% participants have adequate knowledge. There was a significant association between knowledge on hypoglycemia and its prevention with selected demographic variables i.e., age (p value = 0.00), educational status (p value = 0.003) and duration of diabetes illness (p value = 0.035).Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of the diabetic patients has moderate knowledge on hypoglycemia and its prevention.